title: Exploring fathers' perceptions of parenting a child with Asperger syndrome.
abstract: This study explores Irish fathers' perceptions of parenting a child with Asperger syndrome (AS). Ethical approval was granted by the service provider, and Husserlian phenomenological approach facilitated the exploration. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews of nine fathers in the West region of Ireland. Data were transcribed and analysed using Colaizzi's (1978) method. The study highlighted that parenting a child with AS is an arduous task, but while there are difficulties, many positive aspects to their parenting experience were reported. Overall, the study highlights the importance of listening to parents and their initial concerns regarding their child's development.
authors.affiliation: University of Limerick, Ireland.
authors.forename: Maeve
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O' Halloran
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sweeney
authors.forename: Owen
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Doody
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards; D008875:Middle Aged; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Asperger syndrome; autism spectrum disorder (ASD); disability; fathers’ perceptions; parental stress